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Health & Fitness

Bulls Fall to Blazers

Bulls fall to Blazers

Portland, Oregon: Bulls fell tonight to the Portland Trail Blazers 102-94. Two desperate Bulls comebacks fell slightly short. In the first comeback, the Bulls were able to take advantage of the lackluster second team of the Blazers. The Bulls cut a 15 point lead all the way down to a tie game. Midway through the 4th quarter the Blazers managed to pull away, opening up a 11 point lead. A late game comeback was foiled by unclutch defense and lack of time on the clock. Unlike last night, the Bulls came out with energy and were working hard on the boards and diving for loose ball. For the third straight game in a row, the Bulls surrendered 100 or more points. This must change for the Bulls to be successful this season.

Game Notes

1. To reiterate my point from last night, Hinrich can't guard young quick guards. Damian Liillard scorched Hinrich for 16 points on 7-13 shooting. Chris Paul only had 8 points last night against Hinrich last night but was able to penetrate at will which obliterated the Bulls defensive scheme and allowed Paul to rack up 10 assists to open shooters and cutters. This trend will continue if Hinrich is matched up against Lin on Wednesday against the Rockets.

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2. Hinrich's poor shooting has also paralleled his awful defense. Last night against the Clippers he went 0-7 from the field. Tonight, he wasn't much better, shooting a miserable 2-9. Hinrich's career shooting percentage is .417. This year he is only shooting .292. Hinrich needs to make his shots. He is a pass first player that never forces anything. Thus, most of his shots are good looks that he should make. 

3. It is Hinrich hate night. For the second straight game, Hinrich had a game high turnover total. I raved in a previous article that Hinrich is better than CJ Watson because he limits turnovers. This hasn't been the case thus far. I wish CJ had stayed and Hinrich had stayed in Atlanta.

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-Basically what i am saying with these game notes: Start Nate Robinson. Despite Robinson's erratic play he has showed the capability of limiting turnovers this year which is vitally important for the Bull's success. Nate Robinson is quicker than Hinrich which will give him a better chance to successfully guard players like CP3 and Darian Miller. Nate Robinson is also an instigator on offense who provides the Bulls with high energy plays.

Drawbacks of Nate Robinson's Game:

1. Occasionally ball hogs and takes stupid shots. Ex: He was outnumbered 3 to 1 on a fast break tonight and he pulled up for a three, in which he missed, when nobody was under the basket to rebound.

2. He is 5ft 9in. Trouble arises when he has to guard tall opponents or has to switch onto big men.

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